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The Summer of Startups provides the best possible coaching opportunities for young entrepreneurs.

Startup summer hots up in Otaniemi

Otaniemi is enjoying a sizzling startup summer as things hot up at the Startup Sauna business accelerator programme. This year, a total of 13 fledgling businesses will be taking part in the nine-week Summer of Startups programme. As part of the programme, the participating teams will have the opportunity to work on their business idea, supported by some of Finland’s most experienced serial entrepreneurs as well as investors and coaches. The aim is for all participants to deliver a complete prototype by the end of the programme. Every year, the Summer of Startups programme acts as a springboard for new Finnish businesses that have the potential to succeed and generate growth.

This year, the organisers received 100 applications from around the world. The 13 successful candidates will be offered office space, intensive mentoring with serial entrepreneurs with proven track records in business as well as modest stipends that will allow them to dedicate themselves to the programme on a full-time basis. The coaching team is made up of Finnish serial entrepreneurs and other industry experts, who are contributing their time and energy out of their sheer desire to offer support to aspiring young entrepreneurs.

The Summer of Startups is organised by Aalto University’s student organisation, Aalto Entrepreneurship Society (Aaltoes). The City of Espoo acts as Aaltoes’ mentor and programme sponsor.

“In the current climate, offering support to aspiring young business hopefuls matters more than ever before,” Tuula Antola, City of Espoo’s Director for Business and Economic Development, said.

“The Summer of Startups provides the best possible coaching opportunities for young entrepreneurs, and the Espoo Innovation Garden is the ideal place for them to bloom and flourish.”

On 5 August, the Summer of Startups business accelerator programmes will culminate in a demo session, where the participating businesses present their work in front of an audience and representatives from the media. The event in Otaniemi is expected to attract hundreds of guests.